OUR MISSION: WE SWEAR TO TELL THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH, AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH - SO HELP US GOOD FAIRY OF POPULARITY. . .

So you're starting middle school and a little worried, right? Well, put your freak-out on pause because we got the goods on how to make middle school the best three years ever. Why is our blog so unique? Hel-lo!! Because we're in middle school, too!

Anyways, we know you want to get A's and be super popular. And the truth is you can - which is why we wrote this super cool awesome handbook called

LUCY AND CECEE'S HOW TO SURVIVE (AND THRIVE) IN MIDDLE SCHOOL. We're going to tell you everything from how to snag that skater slacker you're crushing on to pinching out an A from that sadistic science teacher with the weird combover.

In short, we'll teach you not just how to survive - but thrive in middle school. So with that - here's the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help us Good Fairy of Popularity...

Hearts and rainbows,

Lucy &

CeCee

Saturday, January 17, 2015

teach• er |ˈtē ch ər|
noun
(official definition) – a person who teaches, esp. in a school; an adult role model who indoctrinates the younger generation intellectually, morally, and socially; one who helps others learn, as by example.

The Taskmaster Control Freak/You-Ain’t-Doin’-Nothin’-in-My-Class/Lecturer

These types of teachers became teachers so they could hear themselves talk. The truth is that they have no interest in you or what you have to say. You’ll know them by the classroom arrangement, which consists of unyielding vertical rows with their bully pulpit lectern front and center. Don’t even think about asking to use the bathroom or going to your locker, as the hall pass is simply an accessory for the Taskmaster (i.e., not to be used). And, don’t get sick in their classrooms because you ain’t leaving! Their stock answer for everything is “No!” They have no sense of humor and no sense of mercy. We advise lying low in their classes, as their tolerance for any kind of adolescent shenanigans is nonexistent. Hand in your homework on time and keep a low profile. Cheating, passing notes, and otherwise acting up are unheard of in the Taskmaster’s classroom.

The Fossil tends to linger in the math and science departments. They are well known throughout the local community—and for good reason. They’ve been around forever, and as a result, they have built a solid reputation. They’ve been around so long that their “Just Say No” antidrug posters from the ’80s have an inch of dust caked to them. They use the same old lesson plans, projects, and activities they’ve had since college. Basically, they do their jobs on cruise control and aren’t apt to press the accelerator anytime soon.

Mr./Ms. Good Time/I-Want-to-Be-Liked Teacher
Mr. and Ms. Good Time are usually young and fresh out of college, and their entire educational philosophy is based on being liked. These teachers tend to be easy graders and give less homework (with the exception of a deep fondness for projects) than the others. Their strength is creativity and working outside the textbook (think complete opposite of the Taskmaster). The best thing to do in Mr. and Ms. Good Time’s class is to get them off topic by asking some real-world questions. Also, convince them that a once-a-week party is academically beneficial and aligns perfectly with the standards. Other things to try are having them take you outside, watching teen angst movies, and throwing Game Day because it promotes personal development and self-esteem.

Paris Festival of Books Young Adult Award

BlueInk Starred Review

"(Dana) knows her audience well, and has pitched this book to them perfectly, packing useful information into a fun, frothy read....Any sixth grade girl who's facing middle school as if it were a firing squad will find great comfort here. Both entertaining and useful, How to Survive is a winner."

Author Bio Brochure

Click Here for More Information

SCBWI P.A.L. MEMBER

School Author Visits

Click for More Information

Midwest Book Review

"Lucy and CeCee's How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School" explores the challenges middle school shenanigans of Lucy and CeCee as they try to apply their expertise with dealing with bullies, life, and everything else, sharing their adventures of middle school drama. With plenty of humor and adventure, "Lucy and CeCee's How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School" is a strongly recommended addition to young adult fiction collections, not to be missed." - Midwest Book Review

Lucy and CeCee Radio Interview

Click Here to Take a Listen

Based on the Adventures of...

Click here

Readers Favorite Review

"This nostalgic read is both fun and informative in its perspective of middle school existence. The author's use of tweenie vernacular adds to character development and theme relevance."

Books we've read

Kirkus Review

"But while the girls’ teachings are often amusing, what really makes Dana’s book exceptional are the girls themselves....The girls’ approach to more sensitive issues such as cyberbullying and peer pressure to drink or do drugs is intelligent and responsible. Lucy and CeCee’s target audience may consist solely of tweens, but this is a book that can educate readers of any age."

Bond With Your Bestie by Reading Lucy and CeCee's Survival Guide...

Honorable Mention at San Francisco Festival of Books

5 Stars for Lucy and CeCee by Readers Favorite

Are you a note passing pro?

Honorable Mention at New York Festival of Books

Clarion Review

"Lucy and CeCee’s guide to middle-school survival is a fast-paced, funny, and insightful book that will serve to clarify typical teen lingo and behavior for adults and give guidelines to tween and teenage kids who are having trouble navigating the middle-school milieu."

It's Lunch Time!!

Mystery Meat du Jour

About the Author

Kimberly Dana is a multi-award-winning author and literacy specialist. Kimberly’s most recent books include her YA thriller, Cheerage Fearage, middle grade novel Lucy and CeCee’s How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School, and the delightful picture book, Pretty Dolls, awarded Best Children’s Book of the Year by Reader Views and Character Building Counts. Kimberly has been featured on NBC's More at Midday as a middle school tween and anti-bullying expert. In her spare time, Kimberly travels around the country giving author presentations to children and young adults.